Embracing Freedom Unlocks Your Identityنموونە

Day 6: “A Prayer of Freedom”

Just as there are barriers to freedom, there is an enemy to freedom. John 17, I Peter 5, and Ephesians 6 all point to who this enemy is. The goal of the enemy is to keep us from living into the freedom that Christ has given us John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Let’s arm ourselves for the fight and be alert that this is the enemy's tactic.

Prayer is a powerful weapon against the enemy. This is why Jesus prayed for us in John 17, and also why Paul, in Ephesians, encourages us to stay alert and pray.

In contrast to the enemy’s lies, truths echoed throughout God’s word reject any attempt of the enemy to keep us trapped. Speaking these truths in prayer becomes a powerful declaration that we live in a place of freedom, and it reminds us of who we are. An example of this type of prayer might sound a lot like David's prayer in Psalm 23.

”1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.“

Look at all the aspects of freedom mentioned in this passage.

• We lack nothing
• We enjoy rest and our souls are refreshed
• We have guidance; by His presence, He leads us through the Valley of Death
• We have comfort instead of fear
• He prepares a table to feast at in the presence of our enemies
• Our cup overflows (joy)
• He anoints our head with oil (a symbol of the Holy Spirit)
• Goodness and love always follow us
• We dwell in God’s presence forever

This type of prayer isn’t limited to Psalm 23. God’s word is full of passages that we can turn into prayer, reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ and refuting the lies of the enemy.

Take some time now to pray the following prayer, declaring the truths of Psalm 23 over your life as a Freedom Declaration, and take a stand against the enemy.

Prayer:

Lord, I declare the truth of Your word and reject the lies of the enemy in my life. Where Your presence is, there is freedom. It is here that I flourish and thrive. In peace and calmness, I am refreshed by Your Spirit. I am safe, satisfied and settled in contentment. I am healed by Your Spirit and enjoy provision in the presence of my enemies. I am confident because You lead me and comfort me with Your Word and Truth. I am ever aware of Your goodness and mercy surrounding me. I walk forward in joyous freedom, complete victory, and renewed faith.

In Christ's name, Amen.